This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 35-40 pounds, distances of 4-7 miles daily over varied terrain. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. The most important factor to enjoy this trip is your overall fitness level.
Enjoy views of the Fantastic Lava Beds from the shores of Butte and Snag Lakes
Our day starts with an 8am meeting and orientation in Redding, California. We then hop aboard a provided shuttle for a two-hour drive to the northeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, where our trek begins. Our trail hugs the shores of Butte Lake, which was shaped by underwater lava fields and continues to be fed by nearby Snag Lake, where we set up camp for the evening. Lunch & dinner included.
Backpacking: 5.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: minimal; Van transfer: 2 hours
Meander through fragrant pine forests and enjoy peek-a-boo views of Lassen Peak
Today’s hike takes us deep into the peaceful corners of Lassen Volcanic National Park. We’ll stroll through fragrant pine forests and enjoy glimpses of Lassen Peak along the way. Known as a region rich in human and cultural history, our guides will also share insight into the lives of the Indigenous Americans, emigrants and pioneers who left their mark on the area. At the end of the day we’ll tuck into warm sleeping bags and fall asleep under a sky overflowing with stars. All meals included.
Backpacking: ~7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: + 900’ / - 900'
Hike through the spectacular Painted Dunes and up Cinder Cone
We round out the backpacking portion of our trek with a hike through some of the park’s most spectacular volcanic terrain. Our ultimate goal for the day is the rim of Cinder Cone. Sitting at 6,906' of elevation, it's a perfect perch for viewing the vibrant Painted Dunes, the Fantastic Lava Beds, Lassen Peak, and the route we traveled the past two days. To fully experience Cinder Cone, we head down into the crater itself. We climb back out to the rim for lunch before packing up for the last mile of our hike back to the Butte Lake trailhead.
Our next stop is a front-country campground in the heart of Lassen Volcanic National Park. We set up camp for the night and take time to relax and enjoy dinner before heading to bed early—we've got an alpine start in the morning! All meals included
Backpacking: 6 miles, Elevation gain/loss: + 800’ / - 800'
Summit 10,457’ Lassen Peak!
We wake up before dawn to prepare for our summit attempt of Lassen Peak. The world’s largest "plug dome" volcano and the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range, Lassen also holds the distinction of being the largest lava dome in the world. On a good day, views from the top stretch as far south as Sacramento!
After our summit we stop by the park's Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center to enjoy a picnic lunch and learn more about the park’s history. We then hop in our shuttle back to Redding, where we hope to arrive by 5pm. Please note that this time may vary based on trail conditions, group pace, weather, traffic and other factors beyond our control. Breakfast & lunch included.
Hiking: 5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: + 2,000’ /- 2,000'; Van transfer: 2 hours
